A Test of Faith

 Today we welcome debut author Keli Gwyn to the Inkwell -- and a giveaway!

“The doctor would like to have you come in to discuss your test results.”

Those words, uttered by a nurse at my doctor’s office last October, filled me with trepidation. I’d gone in for a routine physical. My doctor ordered my annual mammogram and a bone scan, the latter being requested in order to get a “baseline” since I’m a petite post-menopausal woman.

I went in for the tests and went on with my life, not giving them another thought. After all, my doctor said I was the picture of health. I fully expected to get the standard snail mail letters telling me all was well, so that phone call, the first of its kind I’d ever received, came as a bit of a shock.

The request for the appointment came on a Friday, but I wasn’t able to get on the schedule until the following Tuesday. I faced four days of waiting. Being a writer, I’ve had practice waiting, but this made hoping to hear from a publishing house seem like nothing. This was my health we were talking about.

I did my best not to stress, but I’m convinced the Lord had the writers of Scripture include those verses instructing us to “be anxious about nothing” just for me. I’m a wee bit of a worrywart, so I fretted and stewed and was in danger of nibbling my nail to nubs.

On that blustery morning on the first of November, I walked into the doctor’s office, took one look at my doctor, and knew she had some not-so-hot news for me. That baseline bone scan showed that I have osteoporosis. Yup, me—a 52-year-young woman—had already suffered enough bone loss to qualify for the diagnosis.

My doctor and I discussed my treatment options. Due to my age, I chose to go with the calcium supplement and exercise option instead of relying on the “Sally Fields” prescription drugs, which she doesn’t recommend using for more than five years due to the potential side effects and increased risk of cancer. My doctor applauded my decision.

I left the office in a state of shock. Now, I realize that an osteoporosis diagnosis isn’t all that bad, but this is the first major health problem I’ve faced. Couple that with the fact that I’m a writer who wholeheartedly embraced the sedentary aspect of my chosen profession and was being forced to get off my backside and engage in what I used to refer to as the “e-word,” and it’s understandable that I was a bit shaken.

My parents have often referred to me as a Sherman tank because, despite my size, I head into battle ready to fight. I embraced that trait, driving from my doctor’s office directly to my local Curves and registered for their circuit training. Determined to arrest—or even reverse—my bone loss, I signed on the dotted line without delay and showed up for my first workout the very next day.

It’s been nearly a year since my osteoporosis diagnosis, and I’ve seen the Lord use it in ways I never imagined. He’s changed my attitude toward exercise. I workout at Curves three days a week and walk the other four. And I enjoy doing so. I sleep better, don’t run as cold as I used to, and am not as stressed as I was in my exercise phobic days.

One of the biggest benefits is how God has used the diagnosis and resultant lifestyle changes to enhance my marriage. Gwynly loves to exercise and was eager to have me join him on his walks. As we rack up the miles, my active guy and I talk and talk and talk some more.

Gwynly has remarked several times, somewhat apologetically, that he’s grateful for the diagnosis because it’s led to me spending more time with him doing something he enjoys. I understand what he means, since I feel the same way at times. Who woulda thunk that God could use my osteoporosis diagnosis for good? But He has, and I’m grateful for that.

I’ll be going in for a bone scan next month, and I like to think the numbers will show that I have indeed arrested or reversed the bone loss. No matter what the results are, though, I have faith the Lord will use this test to bring about His best in my life.

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Have you or a loved one received an unexpected diagnosis? If so, how has the Lord used it to work good in your life or theirs in unexpected ways?

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 A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California ...

An ever-resourceful widow, Elenora Watkins arrives in El Dorado ready to go into partnership with Miles Rutledge. When he refuses, Elenora becomes the competition across the street. Is this town big enough for the two of them? Miles can’t help but stick his well-polished boot in his mouth whenever he comes face-to-face with Elenora. Can he find a way to win her heart while destroying her business? Miles’s mother, Maude, is bent on Elenora becoming her new daughter-in-law while Elenora’s daughter, Tildy, thinks Miles would make a perfect papa. How far will these meddlers go to unite this enterprising pair?

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Keli has graciously offered an autographed copy of her novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, to one lucky entrant! Please leave a comment with your email address (safely spaced out) by 9 pm. Eastern time, Saturday, Sept 15, and we'll randomly choose a winner.

AND Keli is offering a copy of the DVD, "The Young Victoria," on my (Susanne's) blog. (Click here and leave a comment, including a way to contact you.) The drawing runs through tomorrow. Saturday, 9/15, we'll announce the winner ... and Keli shares her writing journey, too. Hop on over!

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More about Keli...

Keli Gwyn writes stories that transport readers to the 1800s, where she brings historic towns to life, peoples them with colorful characters, and adds a hint of humor. A California native, she lives in the Gold Rush-era town of Placerville at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Her debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, set in the heart of the Gold Country where she lives is currently available.

When Keli’s fingers aren’t hovering over the keyboard of her newfangled laptop, she enjoys strolling past stately Victorian houses in her historic town, burying her nose in reference books as she unearths interesting facts to include in her stories, and interacting with other romance readers. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, the Coach factory outlet store, and Taco Bell.

To learn more about Keli, you can visit her Victorian-style cyber home at www.keligwyn.com, where you’ll find her parlor, study, carriage house, and more, along with her blog and her social media links.

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Don't forget to leave your email addy in the comments if you'd like to be entered into the drawing!